Accidents can happen quickly, especially with children. Whether it’s a fall, choking, or an allergic reaction, knowing how to respond in an emergency can make a big difference. For parents and caregivers, acting quickly and wisely can save lives.
More families in the UK are signing up for paediatric first aid courses to learn practical skills. At Training 22, we provide Paediatric First Aid Training and Emergency Paediatric First Aid Training that meet Ofsted standards and real-life needs. Learning these essential skills is not just about following rules; it gives adults the confidence to stay calm during medical emergencies with young children. In all situations, from minor injuries to serious crises, every second counts.
Understanding the Basics: What Is Emergency Paediatric First Aid?
Emergency Paediatric First Aid is the quick help given to a child who is hurt or suddenly sick before a doctor arrives. It focuses on the special needs of babies and young children, both physically and emotionally. Quick action can lead to better recovery and fewer long-term problems.
This training teaches important skills, including:
- Life-saving techniques
- Handling emergencies like choking, seizures, or unconsciousness
- Creating a safe space for children to recover
- Spotting warning signs early to prevent worsening conditions
These skills are not just for doctors. Every parent or caregiver in the UK should feel ready to provide basic emergency care. Whether at home, in a nursery, or at the park, knowing what to do can reduce panic and save lives.
The ABCs of Emergency Response for Children
In an emergency with children, focus on the ABCs: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. This quick check helps you understand how serious the situation is and what to do next.
- Airway: Make sure the child’s airway is clear. Young children often block their airways with food, toys, or swelling.
- Breathing: Check if the child is breathing. Look for chest movement, listen for breath sounds, and feel for airflow.
- Circulation: Look for signs of blood flow, such as skin colour, warmth, and responsiveness. Pale or bluish skin may mean poor circulation.
These checks help you take effective action quickly. Also, make sure the area is safe before providing care.
Choking: Recognising and Reacting Fast
Choking is a frightening emergency for parents. Luckily, it can be managed with proper training. Children are curious and often put objects in their mouths, which raises the risk of choking.
For Infants (under 1 year):
- Give 5 back blows and then 5 chest thrusts.
- Always support the baby’s head and neck to avoid injury.
- Switch between these two methods until the object is removed or help arrives.
For Children (1 year and older):
- Do the Heimlich manoeuvre (abdominal thrusts).
- If the child can still breathe, encourage them to cough.
- Stay calm and reassure the child to help them relax.
Knowing the difference between partial and full choking is an important first aid skill that can save lives. It’s also vital to know what to do after choking, like checking for breathing or signs of shock.
CPR for Babies and Children: A Lifesaving Technique
Knowing CPR is essential for parents when it comes to first aid for children. Kids’ bodies react differently than adults, so CPR needs to be adjusted. Doing CPR can seem overwhelming, but being confident and clear about the steps can make a big difference in emergencies.
Infant CPR (under 1 year):
- Give 30 chest compressions with two fingers in the middle of the chest.
- Then, provide 2 gentle breaths to make the chest rise.
- Keep repeating this cycle until help arrives or the child gets better.
Child CPR (1 year and older):
- 30 compressions with one or two hands, depending on the child’s size.
- 2 full breaths, ensuring the airway is tilted correctly.
The rhythm and depth of compressions for children are different from those for adults. Hands-on training, like the one at Training 22, helps you remember how to do CPR when it matters most. The courses also teach you how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) safely on kids.
Managing Common Childhood Injuries
Kids are naturally curious, so they often get bumps, scrapes, and bruises. But not all injuries are small. Parents and caregivers must tell the difference between regular cuts and wounds that could be more serious.
Typical Scenarios Include:
- Cuts and Bleeding
- Nosebleeds
- Burns and Scalds
- Head Injuries
- Sprains and Fractures
Key first aid skills include applying pressure to stop bleeding, cooling burns with running water, keeping a suspected fracture still, and knowing when to call 999. Even for minor injuries, good first aid can reduce pain, speed up healing, and lower infection risks.
Taking care of wounds with clean materials and providing comfort is just as important as treating the injury. This approach also helps children trust adults and build resilience when they feel uncomfortable.
Allergic Reactions and Anaphylaxis: What Every Parent Should Know
Food allergies in children are increasing, making it essential to know how to spot and treat an allergic reaction. A peanut or dairy allergy can quickly turn from a mild issue to a serious threat.
Mild Reactions:
- Itchy eyes or skin
- Sneezing or coughing
- Localised swelling (e.g. lips or eyes)
Severe Reactions (Anaphylaxis):
- Swollen tongue or throat
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing
- Dizziness, confusion, or collapse
Give an adrenaline auto-injector (like an EpiPen) right away. Hold the injector in place for the recommended time, then call emergency services. Training courses show you how to use these devices safely, making them essential for kids in emergencies.
Know the triggers, read labels, and make an emergency action plan if you have children at risk.
Febrile Seizures and Fits: Staying Calm Under Pressure
Febrile seizures happen when body temperature rises quickly. They can be scary for first-time witnesses but are usually harmless. These seizures mostly affect children aged 6 months to 5 years and often occur when a fever starts.
Do’s:
- Move things away to prevent injury.
- Lay the child on their side in the recovery position.
- Time the seizure and note how long it lasts and what happens.
Don’ts:
- Don’t hold the child down or try to stop their movements.
- Don’t put anything in their mouth.
These seizures usually go away on their own within minutes. However, it’s important to get medical advice afterwards to check for any infections. You can learn how to tell febrile seizures apart from other types of seizures in our Emergency Paediatric First Aid Training.
First Aid Kits: What Every Home Should Have
Every UK household with children should have a well-stocked first aid kit. It helps parents respond quickly to different injuries.
Your kit should include:
- Child-friendly bandages: Have plasters and bandages in different sizes for kids.
- Digital thermometer: Use a digital thermometer for accurate temperature readings.
- Gauze pads and tape: Keep sterile gauze pads and adhesive tape handy.
- Antiseptic wipes: Include antiseptic wipes and skin-cleaning solutions.
- Tools: Pack scissors, tweezers, and disposable gloves.
- Cold packs: Use cold packs to reduce swelling and bruises.
- Pain relievers: Have child-safe pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- Emergency info: Keep emergency contact numbers and a basic first aid manual.
Storage tips: Store the kit in a cool, dry place that’s easy to reach but out of children’s reach. Consider a smaller version for your car, diaper bag, or stroller for convenience.
The Emotional Side of Emergency Care
Helping an injured child involves more than just treating their injuries. Your emotional response can affect how quickly and calmly the child heals. Children often feel fear and anxiety during emergencies, and they easily pick up on how adults act.
- Stay calm and comforting, even in stressful situations.
- Use a gentle tone and simple language that fits the child’s age.
- Don’t show panic or frustration in front of them.
Providing positive emotional support can reduce trauma. It’s also important for parents and caregivers to take care of their own mental health after a stressful event. Training 22’s Emergency Paediatric First Aid courses include lessons on managing emotional distress for both the child and the helper.
Why Emergency Paediatric First Aid Training is a Must for Every Parent
Reading about first aid skills is a good start, but practice is essential. Our courses at Training 22 give you the confidence to respond effectively in emergencies.
The skills you learn apply not just at home but also in schools, playgrounds, nurseries, and on vacations. Emergencies can happen anywhere, so being prepared is crucial.
Whether you choose our one-day Emergency Paediatric First Aid Training or the full Paediatric First Aid Training course, you’re investing in your family’s safety. Our training sessions are interactive, easy to understand, and perfect for beginners.
Check out our courses:
- Paediatric First Aid Training
- Emergency Paediatric First Aid Training
Visit our homepage for more health and safety training options.
Be Ready When It Counts
Emergencies happen suddenly. Every parent and caregiver should be ready to act quickly. Skills like helping someone who is choking, performing CPR, and managing seizures or allergies are essential.
With the right training, you can protect your child and feel confident that you are prepared. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to respond.
Don’t wait for an emergency to occur — get ready now.